Finicky Felines And Smoochin' Pooches

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Should Pets Wear Pet Clothing? Choose Safe, Comfortable Outfits

Should Pets Wear Pet Clothing? Choose Safe, Comfortable Outfits A tiny dog in a bright sweater may look ready for a photo, but looks aren’t the best test of an outfit. Pet clothing should meet a real need and let your pet move and behave normally. Some animals benefit from a coat in certain conditions; others feel stressed or get too warm. Weather, health, fit, behavior, and supervision all matter. Pet clothing can help in specific situations, but not every pet Clothing can add warmth or protect a pet during a particular activity, but one dog’s needs may differ from another’s. Coat type, size, age, health, and tolerance all play a part. A garment also can’t replace shelter, a safe environment, or veterinary care. Cold-sensitive pets may benefit from an extra layer A coat may help a small, short-haired, lean, senior, or medically vulnerable dog during a cold-weather outing. VCA notes that some dogs lose heat more easily and may benefit from a jacket in cold, windy, wet, or sn...

Funny Things Dogs and Cats Do: What Their Quirks Mean

Funny Things Dogs and Cats Do: What Their Quirks Mean A dog may lick your face like it’s the best job in the house, while a cat sniffs dinner, walks away, then returns as if nothing happened. These funny things dogs and cats do can make us laugh, but they may also show what a pet wants, notices, or needs. The same behavior can mean different things for different animals, so watch the setting and look for changes. Funny Things Dogs and Cats Do: Why Dogs Give Sloppy Kisses Dogs greet, explore, and communicate with their mouths. A lick can be friendly, but it isn’t always a dog’s version of a human kiss. Licking faces, hands, and everything else Dogs may lick to get attention, explore a smell or taste, or connect with a person. Some also lick themselves or objects to settle down. Notice what happens before and after: if licking brings a laugh, a pet, or a snack, your dog may learn to repeat it. The full-body happy-dance greeting A familiar person at the door can set off wiggl...

Peanut Butter Balls for Pups: A No-Bake Treat Ready in 30 Minutes

Peanut Butter Balls for Pups: A No-Bake Treat Ready in 30 Minutes A homemade dog treat doesn’t need an oven or a long ingredient list. These peanut butter balls for pups mix up in about 10 minutes, then chill until firm. You’ll need oat flour, plain pumpkin purée, and peanut butter, plus a careful look at the peanut butter label. Serve them as occasional snacks, with the size and amount suited to your dog. Make Peanut Butter Balls for Pups with Three Simple Ingredients Gather the ingredients You’ll need just three ingredients for this no-bake dog treat: 1 cup oat flour ½ cup plain pumpkin purée ¼ cup xylitol-free peanut butter Choose plain pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling. The filling may contain added sugar or spices, so check the can before you scoop. To make homemade oat flour, add 1 cup of oats to a blender or food processor. Hit the pulse button a few times until it's the consistency of flour. I like to leave a few oat pieces unprocessed just to add texture to the trea...

Thinking About Getting a New Puppy? Choose a Breed That Fits Your Life

Thinking About Getting a New Puppy? Choose a Breed That Fits Your Life A puppy’s cute face can hide adult needs that change daily life. A high-energy dog may need hours of activity, while a heavy-shedding breed can fill your home with hair. Before bringing home a new puppy, match the breed’s adult size, temperament, exercise needs, grooming, health risks, and care costs to your household. The right choice starts with your routine, home, experience, family, and long-term plans. Breed research, responsible sourcing, and honest planning can help you choose a dog whose needs you can meet for life. Match Your New Puppy to Your Daily Life Measure Your Time, Energy, and Routine Every puppy needs close supervision, toilet training, socialization, play, and sleep. Your work hours matter, but so do commuting, travel, exercise habits, and social plans. A puppy left alone for a full workday may need help from a dog walker, sitter, family member, or daycare. Before choosing a breed, ans...

How Much Should My Dog Weigh? Find Their Healthy Weight

How Much Should My Dog Weigh? Find Their Healthy Weight A scale can tell you how heavy your dog is, but it cannot tell you whether that weight is healthy. If you’re asking, "how much should my dog weigh?" the answer depends on breed, body frame, age, sex, muscle, and daily activity. A breed-standard weight is a reference used by kennel clubs. A healthy dog weight is the range that suits your individual dog. A body condition score shows whether that weight comes with too much fat, too little fat, or a healthy amount. This guide explains how to estimate your dog’s ideal weight, use a dog weight chart with care, check for signs of weight gain or loss, and know when your veterinarian should assess your dog. Your Dog’s Ideal Weight Depends on More Than Breed Breed information can give you a starting point, but it cannot set one perfect number for every dog. Two healthy dogs from the same breed may have different weights because their height, bones, muscle, and activity leve...

Unusual Dog and Cat Breeds: Choose a Distinctive Pet That Fits Your Home

Unusual Dog and Cat Breeds: Choose a Distinctive Pet That Fits Your Home A hairless Xoloitzcuintli, a corded Bergamasco Sheepdog, a curly LaPerm, and a werewolf-like Lykoi cat can all stop people in their tracks. These unusual dog and cat breeds stand out through their coats, body shapes, history, instincts, or limited availability. An unusual appearance does not always mean a breed is rare, exotic, or hard to care for. This guide covers origins, personality, grooming, health needs, and household fit so you can look beyond striking photos. Unusual Dog Breeds With Extraordinary Physical Traits Some rare dog breeds developed unusual traits for a clear purpose. Others carry old genetic features that became part of their breed standard. Their appearance can be appealing, but it also may bring extra care. Xoloitzcuintli: An Ancient Hairless Dog The Xoloitzcuintli comes from Mexico and has roots reaching back many centuries. It has hairless and coated varieties, and the American Kennel...